“My dad was here the year that they won it, in ’69,” Union, NJ resident John Alves told CBS 2’s Lou Young. “He’s been a Namath fan all his life, and he just gave it to me, and I’m honored to wear the jersey.”

It’s been a while for Jets and their followers alike – 42 years in the wilderness, a Super Bowl exile older than most fans.

While the night proved to be a trial for Jets fans, it was a much more joyous experience for supporters of the Steelers.

At Foley’s bar in Midtown – a haunt known to be Pittsburgh-friendly – the crowd erupted in applause among fans of the black and gold at every play.

Despite the loss, fans of the Jets cheered the team to the bitter end. At the 123 Bar at 50th Street and Tenth Avenue on the West Side, Gang Green was everywhere – with Jets pride intact, no matter what the score.